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Natural Way to Lower My Triglycerides

Triglycerides in your blood increase the chance of developing coronary blockage. Monitoring triglycerides is as important as monitoring cholesterol. Diet affects the triglycerides in your bloodstream. Foods that convert to glucose in the body eventually end up converted to triglycerides when you eat too many of these foods. Nutritionists recommend lowering carbohydrate intake to keep triglyceride levels low.

  1. Low-Carbohydrate Diet

    • A study published in 2006 conducted by researchers at the Duke University Medical Center found that a low-carbohydrate diet raised good cholesterol levels while lowering triglyceride levels in participants on a low-carb diet. The program allowed 20 carbs per day in the beginning stages of the diet.

      The elimination of refined sugars and junk food in a low-carb diet appears to have a dramatic effect on triglycerides, weight loss and good cholesterol levels. Vegetables were the only source of carbohydrates in this study.

      A number of diets on the market today limit the number of carbohydrates consumed. Before beginning any diet program, discuss it with your doctor. The doctor can monitor triglyceride and cholesterol levels during the diet to determine the effect of the program. Discuss the low-carbohydrate diet with the doctor or a nutritionist to determine the correct number of carbs that should be eaten for your condition.

      Avoid trans fats on the low-carbohydrate diet and replace them with healthy fats such as nuts, avocados and olive oil.

    Supplements

    • The American Heart Association recommends omega-3 fatty acid supplements for patients trying to lower triglycerides. Omega-3 fatty acids are available in capsule form, or they are found in cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish from these sources two times a week.

      Triglyceride and cholesterol levels are treated with the vitamin B niacin. Doctors monitor higher doses of niacin for potential liver enzyme problems.

      Soluble fiber such as psyllium hulls and oat bran lowers triglyceride levels, cholesterol and blood pressure. Fiber also keeps blood sugar at normal levels.

    Exercise

    • Exercise five or more times a week for 30 minutes to naturally lower triglyceride levels. Patients who have not worked out in a long time can build up to 30 minutes slowly. Start with 10 minutes and gradually increase the amount of time of the workout until you reach 30 minutes. Walking, biking, running, swimming and any aerobic activity will lower triglyceride levels.

      There is no information currently on the effect of weight training on triglyceride levels, but this activity can help you burn calories and lose weight.

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